Visit organised by Langmead Farms for John Fielder, finance director for Ashmarden Farms, and myself to a half megawatt AD plant near Bremen, north Germany. Very worthwhile visit, hosted by representative of one of Germany's principal suppliers of AD systems. Some issues still to be resolved and we will want to require certain conditions for the planning approval, but broadly reassuring as to the potential impact on the community.
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Marsh Lane Watch
Light odour in Marsh Lane one or two days, along the straight stretch south of the church near the composting site.
Had my ear bent by a grower in Vinnetrow Road who has a potential business interest and who on reading my Focus complained that I am opposing a world class company bringing much needed green energy to the district. He called for balance. In fact I think I am taking a balanced view. I support the concept but not at the expense of the amenity of the community. As a former chief press officer for IBM UK I have a good understanding of the need for large concerns, nomatter how successful, to take full account of the community in their business plans. We failed to on one important occasion and burnt our fingers badly.
As far as the Langmead Farms application is concerned CDC officers are seeking more information about issues of noise and odour and I am doing a great deal of work myself by consulting experts and visiting a site in Germany to understand what the impact might be. It is only when I have completed the research that I will be in a position to comment on the application. I am concerned about the proximity to my property and other proprties in Merston village which is less than the 275 metres quoted in the application documentation.
Offered comment to Oving Parish Council on an application for change of use of the school room attached to Merston Church to allow a limited number of days per year for commercial use. This has been extensively discussed by the minister and PCC. We have no objection. Indeed it would be of benefit to have the building used when the church closes in April 2010. However such a development could be affected by any environmental negatives from the AD plant.
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Marsh Lane Watch
Flytipping at the church. Reported to CDC today December 15.
Long meeting of Full Council to agree financial strategy and note service reviews. I spoke against the Tower Street museum on the grounds that it was the wrong building, in the wrong place and at the wrong time. We do need a new or an extension to existing museum. We don't need an expensive, dominant building of the kind proposed. Got some support, but the motion fell.
Let's see if contractor sticks to budget and time, and how the building will look along with the block of flats that will be built to pay for the museum.
Spoke to SEEDA's adviser on AD plants. He confirmed that 200 metres is really close for the nearest residence. Visibility and noise from vehicle movements and loading of feed hopper likely to be main nuisance factors.
Had meeting with planning office at County expressing my concerns about the Anaerobic Digester application on grounds of its potential environmental impact: noise, odour, visibility. Also questioned its suitability for a horticultural development area. Also confirmed that the distance from the proposed site to my property is nearer 200 metres than the 275 metres quoted in the design assessment. Asked Langmead Farms to publish a correction.
Spoke to District Council planning officer to express similar concerns about potential environmental impact.
Arrangements made for visit to comparable plant in near Hannover in Germany on December 22.
North Mundham PC issue flyer to residents at Marsh Barns and Green lane and posted to noticeboards announcing that the AD plant will be discussed at the NMPC on January 5, 2010.
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Marsh Lane Watch
Visit by litter picker week of November 30th. Very welcome. Comes about once a quarter. He cleared some persistent flytipping much to our relief.
North Mundham Parish Councillors and residents have private meeting with Langmead Farms to review proposals for anaerobic digester plant at Runcton.
Chichester Observer carries front page story about plans for anaerobic digester at Runcton. The report that the plant will produce enough energy for 18-22,000 homes is wide of the mark. More like 2,000. The report carries my Focus statement with its concern about environmental impact.
County announces government has approved £31 million for a new building for the Midhurst Rother Academy. That at last clears up that uncertainty. The college will be built on the river site of the former Midhurst Grammar School and will be completed by start of autumn term 2012. That is a year at least later than originally planned. Let's see if that date is kept to.
I have written to the Principal to invite him to a meeting of the Policy Development Committee in March to report on the first year of the College. Anecdotal stories tell of difficulties for staff having to commute between sites.
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